Frivolous Fascination?

 Frivolous Fascination? I can't help noticing people's bookcases behind them when they are being interviewed on TV. Some are simply full of books, either nicely arranged or looking like they are actually used. (Of course, that doesn't exclude a book being nicely arranged AND used.) Many people, I've noticed, have a plant on a table nearby, usually a gorgeous big orchid. I have an orchid, too, in another room; it's two years old, not nice and new, but it's still blooming.

I've seen people who are being interviewed who have their own latest publication propped up in front.  One copy good, but five copies?  Some books are blurred by camera focus.  I can see clearly other bookcases; I enjoy seeing what people who are being interviewed have been studying.

I've seen books on a windowsill.  I've seen bookshelves with no books on them--only little treasures.  Now, I have little treasures on my bookshelf, too. But only little treasures and no books?

I noticed one person's books shelved color coded: all the red books, together, then the blue ones, the yellow ones, the black ones, etc.  Who designed that system?  I would never be able to find a book I needed. (I arranged my books in my faculty office by the areas of research and teaching.). One person's shelf really caught my attention: all the books had plain-clothed "dust jackets" put on them.  What secret is being kept so that we don't know what books are there? That may be understandable when some in our own Iowa legislature recently brought up the idea of doing away with tenure at the three state universities because the professors there were thought to be putting all those "liberal ideas" into students' heads.

PBS' Judy Woodruff has what I would call an "ordinary bookshelf." She is well-read and her books look used.  I kept trying to see the fat light blue one with the corner worn off.  I would say to my TV, "Please Judy, move over just an inch so I can tell what it is."  Last night I paused the TV so I could look closer. It's The History of the American People."  So, what's in your bookcase? What's in mine? Unfortunately, my largest bookcase is not behind me, but on a side wall, out of camera view, so, I'm sorry, my Zoom viewers simply won't know.

Frivolous Fascination! It's time to listen closely to the interviews: COVID-19 Budget Reconciliation Bill; diplomacy and airstrikes in Syria; threats to blow up the capitol during the President's State of the Union address; the race to vaccinate, and more. . . 

Troubling Terms in Difficult Times

 During these challenging, even dangerous, times, how we pick our metaphors matters greatly. Here are three I have heard used by news commentators, and officials lately that trouble me:

1. "We are like a third world country." This phrase has been used to describe the Texas disaster of people losing their power, water, and then having to boil water to drink, and drive to find bottled water and food. I find this term an insult to developing countries. I have been in countries where people have to boil their water every day. We have seen on television people, usually women, walking miles each day to obtain water at all.  I have been in countries where the power is on for only 3 hours a day, if that.  This is the "normal" difficult life for them.  I join in global efforts to help a community be able to dig a well that everyone in their area can use for regular, daily water.  Millions and millions of people struggle daily. This is not to diminish the suffering in Texas. (My son and family live there.) It is to remind us that such a phrase: "We are like a third world country" assumes implicitly that we as a privileged country should not have to be "like them." Rather this situation is a call to care for the earth and its resources, to work for structures and regulations that help us care for each other.  And this is a call to learn from developing nations and to participate in seeing that all people everywhere have clean water and power resources.

2. "He/she is missing in action" has been used lately to describe a leader who isn't leading.  Senator Ted Cruz leaving the country when the state of Texas which he represents is suffering is deplorable. But what other words could we use?  An MIA, a missing in action person, is one who was in the midst of a battle, risking his or her life.  "Missing in Action" often resulted in hearing later or never hearing that one's loved one was killed and the body was not found.  We indeed have had and still do have leaders who refuse to fill the office they hold.  These people were never actually suffering in the midst of the struggle at all, but could with their privilege and power simply avoid serving.  We have a call to be engaged, to help out, to lead where we can and to hold accountable those who do not lead well or do not lead at all.

3."Banana Republic." I've heard elected officials use this term. It's so derogatory on many levels. Perhaps the speaker wasn't thinking.  Or has our believing the United States is "God's chosen people" so permeated our views that we can't imagine this country having experienced an insurrection? Building and retaining a democracy is difficult everywhere. Having a dictator arise in one's midst is so dangerous and damaging.  Having militias take over or nearly take over a country is awful. Having leaders who are "in it" only for their own greed and gain and want to retain power forever cannot serve the country well.  That could not have happened here; or could it?  Rather than calling other countries in negative terms,  this is a call as citizens to be informed, be engaged, and committed to being a country with "liberty and justice for all."  And this is a call to be engaged globally to help--not judge--people in every place.  We are called to be global citizens and to think carefully about what we are saying and doing.

It's Time to Reconceive What "Evangelical" Means

 Global theologian and my friend, Dr. Karen Bloomquist recently wrote this, before the Insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, January 6, 2021. I find it particularly relevant since Epiphany is a time of being "born anew" with the "self- and world-changing power of belief" that cannot be limited.  At the core of beliefs of the insurrectionists is bigotry and white-privilege. To be evangelical is not to wrap the cross in the flag, but to be grounded in grace which calls us to love the neighbor.  NCE

It’s time to reconceive what “evangelical” means

by Rev. Dr. Karen L. Bloomquist

I am tired of how the word “evangelical” is repeatedly attached to and distorts what is at the core of Christianity. It is being used instead as a political weapon that polarizes (which it has often tragically done throughout history). The heart of the Christian message is the Gospel that liberates not only persons for also systems that discriminate from bondage. The political agenda of so-called “evangelical” Christianity often is used to excuse or reinforce this bondage, resulting in various forms of bigotry. When this occurs what is “Christian” is being prostrated: it is reinforcing patterns of sexism, racism, and “othering” that are contrary to the core of the Gospels, as known through what Jesus said and what he did, especially in how he related to those who were being marginalized. 

Throughout the centuries, “evangelical” has been quite contextual, and has varied greatly throughout history. When the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was formed over 30 years ago, many wondered what “evangelical” meant; I was contacted by media folks who assumed it must have very conservative social positions. At the turn of the 20^th century in America, many whom could hardly been thought of as “evangelical” today (such as Unitarian/Universalists) were often labeled with this word. At the time of the 16^th century Protestant Reformation those distinguished from Catholics were identified as “evangelical”, which continues throughout many places in the world today. In some places, “Christians” (i.e., “evangelicals”) are still distinguished from Catholics. Yet in recent years this is disputed, especially since the 1999 signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification between Lutheran and Catholic churches. Catholics also affirm salvation by grace alone.

Being “born anew” is hardly what makes one “evangelical” today. Being “born anew” with the revolutionary, self- and world-changing power of belief cannot be limited, as Mary’s revolutionary song proclaims (in Canticle of the Turning): God is turning the world around. What is key is challenging and changing systems of discrimination, not only personal attitudes.. Instead, “evangelical” – which often claims to be “spiritual but not political” – has become what is supportive of bigoted political agendas that are in opposition to those who are white, heterosexual, well-off and usually male. This betrays what we read in the Gospels of how Jesus actually related to those who were different sexually, racially, status-wise or by other forms of “otherness.” He was continually crossing boundaries of what was appropriate – and therein is the Good News for all today.

Abandoning the designation “evangelical” may not be appropriate or possible today – it is too widely and popularly used. But those who see it at the heart of what the Gospel means, which must be lived out because of what Jesus said and did, can provide a counter-witness to what evangelical means. It is the Good News of not fearing the future but embracing those who are different, of crossing boundaries and liberating from bondage. Many are yearning to hear and experience this Good News, especially in 2021, so let’s be bolder in doing so.

ELCA and NCC Call for Trump to be Removed from Office

 ELCA presiding bishop joins NCC leaders in letter to vice president, Cabinet and Congress

CHICAGO (Jan. 8, 2021) — The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), joined leaders from the National Council of Churches (NCC) in an open letter to Vice President Mike Pence, members of Congress and the Cabinet, calling for the removal of President Donald Trump from office.

The letter states: “Our faith instructs us to take seriously positions of leadership, not to lead others astray and to be careful about what we say and do.

“For the good of the nation, so that we might end the current horror and prepare the way for binding up the nation’s wounds, we, as leaders of the member communions of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC), believe the time has come for the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, to resign his position immediately.”

https://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/open-letter-to-vice.../

Click on to read the full letter, the church bodies that signed it and for an opportunity to add your name.

Insurrection

Insurrection. Yesterday I posted an Epiphany message: “Dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid. May God guide us and fill us with wisdom as we speak and live Christ in the world.” And then danger, incited by the sitting president. I was not surprised. Threat to our democracy, which will continue, even though the Congress thankfully did re-convene and complete the certification of the election of our next president and vice-president.

Not since August, 1814, has the U.S. capitol been as assaulted as it was January 6, 2021. During the War of 1812, the British invaded Washington, D.C. and were able to breach and burn down the U.S. Capitol building.

So, what do we do the morning after? On Epiphany morning I had a Zoom conversation with my friend, Duncan, in the Netherlands. He knew that Georgia had elected Warnock senator and that soon Ossoff would be declared the senator. He knew this would help Biden would help heal this nation. He said he believed the European Union would be very open to restoring good relations with the U.S. He looked forward to the U.S. again supporting NATO, the U.N., the World Health organization and that together we could help all nations of the world, rich and poor, receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

His knowledge and care helped lift the depression I had felt early yesterday morning. I sensed danger ahead. He did, too, and said he would be praying for the U.S. all day, for the sake of my country, and for the sake of the world.

Insurrection. And yes, Epiphany. God’s light for the world. Give us wisdom.

Nativity Scenes 20

 Final Nativity Sets #20 Epiphany "Guided by the star, they found him whose praise the ages sound. Christ, the way, the truth, the life. Christ, the way, the truth, the life." (ELW 301) This is the latest, made of cork and one more and one that is outside our door. Guide us into the world.

Nativity Scenes #19

 Nativity Sets #19 Epiphany "Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid." (ELW 303) May God guide us and fill us with wisdom and persistence as we speak and live Christ in the world.

Nativity Scene # 18

 Nativity Set # 18 See how carefully crafted and woven is this nativity scene. (All pieces fit inside the shelter) How carefully God creates and redeems us in Christ. On this Eve of Epiphany we adore and rejoice so that we might live the Good News. "The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay . . . on a cold winter's night that was so deep." (ELW 300)

Nativity Scene #17

 Nativity Sets #17 "Oh, teach us. Lord, that we may teach." (676 ELW) Jesus calls us to learn and lead as an educated citizenry in this participatory democracy.

Nativity Scenes #16

 Nativity Sets #16 "Love has come, a light in the darkness! Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior! Love! Love! Glory to God on high." (ELW 292) May God guide each of us and our nation in the days ahead this week.

Nativity Scene #15

 Nativity Set #15 The earthquake in Haiti was Jan 12, 2010. Wartburg Seminary senior Ben Larson, as he was dying there, was singing, "O Lamb of God, you bear the sin of all away; eternal peace with God you made, God's peace to us we pray." This nativity set was made in Haiti. We treasure it. We treasure Ben. We treasure Renee and Jon who survived.

Nativity Sets #14

New Year's Day! Nativity Sets #14 The smallest, only 1 inch, and the heaviest remind us that in the heaviest and lightest days ahead, Christ holds us. "Christ is Alpha and Omega, he the source, the ending he, of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see" (ELW 295)